Overview:
Ascend Area Market (ASAM) is seeking a dynamic and well versatile Store Associate to oversee the operations of our new community-centric urban market in Austin, Texas. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where everyone can access quality food options and enjoy a sense of community.
Our mission involves lowering the barrier of entry to access healthy food options for the community, enabling our neighbors to make better health choices while fostering community engagement, interaction and growth. We do this through our retail urban markets: your local neighborhood market focused on:
- Farm-to-market: Serving farm fresh produce from local community farmers.
- Farm-to-kitchen: Serving locally infused menu, prepared with healthy substitutes and fresh farm produce daily. Each meal contains information on ingredients, nutrients and calorie breakdown to help our customers and community make informed healthy decisions.
- OnSite Coffee Parlor: Serving locally sourced roasters via an onsite barista with a community-centric menu.
- Seating Parlor: Designed to foster connections, engagements, and meetings in the community; facilitate conversations, connect with loved ones, network, build dreams, cultivate business and groundbreaking ideas; and continue to serve as a hub of kindness and growth, as well as the harbinger of the love of Christ daily.
Our community's impact is that we are local. We source fresh produce from local farmers, as we keep small businesses open by sourcing our market items locally. We also improve the lives of our community members, contributing to the economy and workforce.
As the Store Associate, you will wear many hats and be an integral part of our Team. You will provide excellent service and ensure a pleasant shopping experience for all customers. You will be responsible for a variety of tasks, from stocking shelves to assisting customers, and building relationships with local organizations, communities and neighborhood groups to promote healthy living and affordable eating options. You will support the Store Management Team with general housekeeping, POS operations, and sales.
Responsibilities:
Store Operations
- Regularly stock and restock shelves; monitor stock levels to prevent overstocks or shortages.
- Maintain a well-organized store by stocking shelves; ensure products are correctly labeled and priced.
- Ensure proper product rotation to maintain freshness and quality
- Monitor stock levels, prevent shortages, and ensure product accuracy.
- Provide knowledgeable information about shelf products; accurately take and process customer orders.
- Greet and interact with customers in a friendly and professional manner.
- Answer inquiries about products, services, and store policies; address and resolve customer complaints efficiently.
- Promote and upsell products to increase sales; assist customers with purchasing decisions.
- Assist with receiving and unpacking deliveries; verify and update product pricing and labels.
- Maintain accurate records of transactions and report discrepancies; assist with physical inventory counts.
- Engage with the local community to promote the Store’s visibility.
- Participate in community events to promote brand awareness and ensure customer retention.
- Gather customer feedback to improve product and service offerings.
- Work collaboratively with other team members to ensure smooth operation; assist in training new team members.
Cash Handling and POS Operations
- Operate the point-of-sale (POS) system and cash register effectively; process sales by registering customers’ payments and balancing the register.
- Accurately manage cash register transactions; handle various forms of payment, including cash, credit/debit cards, and digital wallets.
- Issue receipts, refunds, and credits as necessary.
- Handle returns and exchanges.
- Balance cash drawers at the end of each shift.
Food and Coffee Preparation
- Welcome customers and provide knowledgeable information about meals and coffee.
- Assist with food or coffee preparation, as needed.
- Provide recommendations and detailed information about menu items, including ingredients and preparation methods.
- Skillfully prepare various coffee beverages; accommodate customers’ requests for drink modifications and serve coffee beverages according to market standards.
- Prepare and assemble pizzas; follow standardized recipes to ensure safety, quality, and attractive presentation.
- Maintain proper portion control and inventory effectively; ensure consistency and quality in each item served.
- Conduct periodic taste tests to maintain flavour consistency.
- Ensure that all food items are prepared safely and presented attractively.
- Monitor ingredient freshness and rotate stock as necessary; stock kitchen supplies.
- Set up and maintain food display areas.
- Package food items for takeout orders.
- Regularly clean and sanitize coffee-making equipment.
- Perform routine maintenance checks on equipment and report issues appropriately.
- Comply with safety guidelines and protocols; report safety hazards or incidents promptly.
Cleanliness and Store Organization
- Maintain a clean and organized store environment, including floors, counters, and shelves.
- Keep the kitchen, customer service counter, other workspace areas, and seating areas clean and organized.
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, equipment, and utensils.
- Follow proper sanitation procedures to maintain hygiene; adhere to health regulations and safety standards.
- Ensure restrooms are clean and stocked with supplies.
- Properly dispose of waste and recyclables.
- Assist with maintaining the Store’s exterior appearance.
- Maintain a safe and clean environment, complying with all health and safety regulations.
Requirements:
- At least 1 year of experience in retail and/or hospitality management; experience in a café, restaurant, or similar food service environment is preferred.
- Proven track record of thriving in a fast-paced environment and genuine desire to build relationships with customers.
- Basic math skills and ability to handle cash transactions; proficiency in relevant point-of-sale systems and inventory software.
- Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Excellent time management and community engagement skills.